The gatekeeper recognized the guard in front of him; this was a guard from the young Master's personal entourage. He glanced outside and only saw the guard leading a horse, with neither the young Master nor anyone else accompanying him.
"Hmm, come in first. I'm here to deliver a message on behalf of the young Master. Have the Lady and the young Master-in-law gone to bed yet?"
The guard had ridden half an hour and, perhaps accustomed to horseback riding, didn't feel too tired. Even the most exhausting stretch of the journey he was able to manage.
Hearing that the guard had matters to attend to, the gatekeeper quickly closed the large gate and helped lead the horse to the stables.
The other estate was quite large; the knocking at the main gate could be heard by everyone in the courtyard, and the guards' conversation could also be faintly overheard.
